Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists focus on the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, including a range of organs starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum.
Pediatric gastroenterologists in Greater Denver
If your child has gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, we can help them get quick relief.
At Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists are specially trained to treat digestive disorders in children of all ages. Your child’s gastroenterologist will provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure proper care for your child’s digestive disorder.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Pediatric GI conditions we treat
Our gastroenterologists partner with other physicians, laboratory technicians, radiologists, nurses and support teams. This ensures your child receives effective care for a range of conditions, including:
- Appendicitis
- Celiac disease
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Colic
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease
- Diarrhea
- Dysphagia
- Duodenal atresia
- Esophageal atresia
- Failure to thrive
- Feeding issues
- Food allergies
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Helicobacter pylori
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Intestinal malrotation
- Intestinal atresia
- Intussusception
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Meckel’s diverticulum
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Polyps and rectal bleeding
- Poor weight gain
- Pyloric stenosis
- Stomach and duodenal (peptic) ulcers
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Ulcerative colitis
- Viruses, bacteria and intestinal parasites
- Volvulus
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Pediatric GI care we provide
Effective GI care for kids begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our pediatric GI doctors work with you and your child to accurately diagnose their digestive issue, starting with a complete medical history and physical examination, among other tests.
Children's digestive system testing
Depending on your child’s symptoms, your doctor may order one of the following digestive system diagnostic tests. We know any type of medical test can be scary for children and overwhelming for parents, but regardless of the test, our team will help ease your child’s anxieties and ensure they are comfortable.
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal X-ray
- Anorectal manometry
- Barium enema (lower GI series)
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal transit study
- Endoscopy
- Esophageal manometric studies
- Fasting tests
- Gastric emptying studies
- Lactose breath hydrogen test
- Lactose tolerance test
- Laryngoscopy
- Meckel’s scan
- Oral-pharyngeal video swallow
- pH monitoring
- Rectal biopsy
- Rectosigmoidoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Stool acidity test
- Stool culture
- Stool guaiac
- Urine analysis and culture
- Upper GI series
Aerodigestive program
Our aerodigestive program offers coordinated care for kids with respiratory and GI issues. We provide a team of specialists in otolaryngology, pulmonology, gastroenterology and speech/feeding therapy. The program can treat a wide range of disorders, from congenital, developmental and acute/traumatic injuries to issues of the upper airway, lungs or GI tract.
Children are evaluated and treated by the team, and if surgery is required, you'll follow up with all three specialists in the clinic. There, you will review a treatment plan together so you can make informed decisions about your child's care.
We encourage communication with referring providers, including their participation in surgeries if necessary.
Duodenal atresia care
At our Center for Maternal/Fetal Health, our expert pediatric surgeons and neonatologists are uniquely equipped to diagnose and treat duodenal atresia. This is a rare congenital condition in which a portion of the small intestine is narrowed or blocked, preventing proper digestion.
We carefully monitor babies with duodenal atresia during pregnancy and provide a plan for delivery at our specialized facility. Here, we offer a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well as access to neonatologists, expert pediatric surgeons, and experienced staff.
Most babies with this condition do not require a C-section for delivery, but they will require special attention just after birth. Babies without further complications will undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery during the first few days after birth. Our team also provides follow-up care to ensure babies with duodenal atresia can live healthy, full lives.
Pediatric GERD treatment
Infant and pediatric GERD — sometimes called acid reflux — is a common condition in which stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. Most babies outgrow it by 12 months old, but, in some cases, it can cause weight loss, breathing problems and other complications.
Mild cases can typically be treated with lifestyle changes, such as smaller and more frequent feedings, though medication may also be prescribed.
Corrective surgery may be necessary in severe cases. In this case, the surgery involves reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter.
Gastroschisis treatment
Gastroschisis is a life-threatening condition where the stomach and bowels protrude through a hole in the abdomen. Our team is trained to diagnose and treat this condition with advanced surgical techniques. We are also experienced with the careful treatment of your baby's health during pregnancy and after birth.
Pediatric surgery is the only treatment for gastroschisis. After birth, surgery will usually take place within hours to place the intestines back into the abdomen. Most babies make a full recovery and can go on to live healthy lives.
Hirschsprung's disease treatment
Hirschsprung's disease is a rare congenital condition affecting the large intestine and colon in infants and young children. Our maternal-fetal health, neonatology and pediatric surgery specialists treat this condition.
Hirschsprung's disease is typically diagnosed in the first few days after birth, and surgery is the recommended treatment. We are uniquely equipped with experienced staff and specialized equipment for infants and children undergoing surgery.
Why is my child's poop green?
As a parent, seeing your child's poop turn green or any other unusual color can be alarming, but there are many possible explanations for discolored or green poop, and most of them are not a cause for concern.
Discolored feces in infants, toddlers and children
Healthy feces (poop) can be any shade of brown, tan, yellow or green. In most cases, the color change is due to something your child ate, like food coloring or additives. Dietary changes can also impact the color.
Here is a short list you can refer to if you're concerned about the color of your child's bowel movements:
- Green diarrhea is common in children and is very rarely a sign of a medical concern.
- Yellow poop is caused by certain foods and is common in both breastfed and formula-fed infants.
- Red, black or white poop may indicate a more serious issue and require medical attention.
If you suspect your child's discolored poop is a cause for concern, try removing any problematic foods or drinks and monitor their stool for 48 hours. If the poop doesn't return to normal, save a sample for evaluation by a medical professional.
Always consult a doctor if your child looks or feels ill, or if the discoloration persists.
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Our Gastroenterology Locations
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